Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is a spiritual renewal weekend designed to help individuals grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and with others in their faith community. It is an excellent opportunity for Catholics to renew their understanding of the basic beliefs and traditions of their faith.

CRHP is a process designed to bring members of a parish together in Christ. Just as all of our other commitments need renewal, so does our commitment to Christ if we're to be faithful followers. CRHP is an effective spiritual renewal and evangelization process that calls together members of the parish to experience personal conversion and Christian unity in the Catholic tradition within the St. Austin community.

The uniqueness of CRHP is in its continuation. Participants are usually so inspired, so renewed, so uplifted, that they're anxious to share their faith experience with others from their parish. Previous attendees to the retreat have the opportunity to begin planning the next renewal weekend soon after they complete their own, if they desire. They become the "new team." During this formation time, even greater spiritual growth occurs.

What is a Christ Renews His Parish Retreat?

It is a time to relax, pray, and rethink priorities.

It is a time to get to know others in the parish and grow as a community.

It is an opportunity to examine, rediscover, and /or intensify your personal relationship with Christ.

It is a weekend of reflection and sharing of spiritual and real life issues. It is a time of evangelization.

What a Christ Renews His Parish Retreat is not.

It is not a silent retreat, yet there are periods of quiet reflection and prayer.

It is not a parish organization or clique

It is not a solitary retreat, your participation makes the retreat a spiritual one for you and the other participants.

What Happens During the Weekend?

Come prepared to have fun and renew your heart.

During the weekend you will listen to a number of individuals who have volunteered to give a personal witness to the power of Jesus Christ in their lives. Group discussions, usually made up of 4-5 people, and responses, follow each presentation. Most in-depth discussions take place amongst your own table. You'll be free to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

There will be readings of scripture, time for prayer, and time set aside for personal reflection. You and your needs will always be respected. The sharing dialogue is stimulated in a very liturgical, scriptural, and prayerful atmosphere.

Sacraments are an integral part of the weekend. There will be an opportunity to go to Reconciliation and the weekend will conclude with a private Mass. All experiences shared on the weekend are confidential, unless otherwise expressed by the participants.

Who Can Participate?

All are adult women of the parish are welcome!

The program is designed to help strengthen the St. Austin community, therefore, all adult women members of St. Austin are invited and encouraged to attend a weekend.

Christ Renews His Parish is for anyone seeking spiritual renewal. You do not have to be a spiritual person to attend the retreat. In fact many people attend because they are not as spiritual as they would like. Many attend because they feel something is missing from their lives.

CRHP is an excellent opportunity for those who have stopped attending Mass, or who have lost interest in the church, to reconnect with the Parish Family. All participants will be welcomed and receive unconditional acceptance.

What Time Does CRHP Begin?

The weekend is held at St. Austin Newman Hall. The weekend usually begins Saturday morning at 7:30am and ends Sunday afternoon at approximately 4pm. Participants will receive confirmation with this pertinent information just prior to their weekend experience.

Where Do I Sleep and What Should I Bring?

Sleeping accommodations are provided in Newman Hall. Please indicate on your registration whether you will need to borrow a cot. A checklist will be provided just prior to your retreat weekend but we recommend that you bring pillows, sheets and blankets or an air mattress so you are comfortable. You will need one bag with fresh clothes, toiletry items and a towel. There are no showers available.

We ask that you
NOT bring a watch, cell phone, alarm clock or anything else that might be distracting to you during the weekend. Phones will be available in case of emergency.

What About Meals?

You will be pampered with great meals throughout the weekend. There will be many breaks throughout the weekend with snacks and drinks provided.

If you have special diet requirements please let us know when you register and every attempt will be made to accommodate your needs.

How Much Does it Cost?

There is no charge for attending the weekend - it is the parish’s gift to you!

The weekend is coordinated by previous CRHP participants with the support of the parish staff. CRHP renews individual parishioners, parish ministries and the St. Austin’s community as a whole.

So, What About You?

If you've read this far you must be at least a little bit interested.

As previous weekend attendees and team members have attested, CRHP is powerful stuff. It's a lot of fun and a great opportunity to form meaningful and lasting friendships.